Discussion

Foodie with less adventurous friends

I'm going to be in DC around NYE. I'm hoping to go to as many good places to eat as possible, but I will be with several people who are less adventurous eaters. Plus, they aren't as willing to blow a ton of money on fancy food. What places would you recommend for lunch and dinner that are pretty reasonable, but have great food too.

For example, I saw the menu for Birch and Barley and thought that it looked great. I don't think my friends would be interested in Braised Pork Cheeks for $24 (oh my God, that sounds awesome).

For lunch, eat at the bar at Teatro Goldoni. They have a wide selection of plates of high quality food for only $14, and that includes a glass of very acceptable wine.

Oyamel has good variety and isn't too painful.

I haven't been in a while, but Full Kee used to be sensational, with an outstanding Hong Kong style noodle soup with shrimp dumplings or roast duck, etc., wonderful vegetables sauteed with garlic, and everything from standard Chinese fare to jellyfish and stir-fried duck's blood. Downside -- no liquor license, no credit cards. Open till the wee hours

I went to Full Kee for the first time the other night and agree that it was really good. I j got the Buddha's Delight with duck and thought it was great. The duck could have been a little crisper but overall good Chinese good....which is hard to find in DC.

I would recommend Ristorante Tosca; it's N. Italian so your friends woudln't think it was too 'out there' but it's really wonderful and if you go and eat before 7, you can get a 3 course meal (with many choices) for $35 -- one of the best bargains in DC. It's got really good service and atmosphere too; you would want to wear "dressy casual" or better. For something a little more unusual but still approachable, try Lebanese Taverna, locations in Arlington and Woodley Park; great food at a good price.

Commonwealth Pub is a "gastropub" good food and good beer. I'll second Matchbox for good american food and a good list of beers. If you find yourself in Georgetown, Clyde's is part of a local chain where the food is reliable and moderatly priced. If they are willing to try it Brasserie Beck has a fantastic selection of belgian beers, you can get the moules and they can have steak frites!